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May 16, 2024

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 200 [displaying comments 161 to 171]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 > ]

L. W. from Southern Indiana (6/14/2005) "Wonderful, scenic, and tough" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the toughest race I have done--no PR here--but I'm glad I did it. Although the course was brutal, I gave it 4 stars because it was well-marked with hillbilly footprints, so even when you were out there by yourself in the boonies you will not get lost. David Hatfield, the running club and the community do a fantastic job of organization for this race. I can't add anything more about the race events than has been posted already, because I agree with all the positive things that have been said already. I only gave 3 stars for the spectators because they are few in number, not because they are not enthusiastic and supporting. I believe that the number of spectators is due to the rural area, not due to their lack of interest. The people that come out mainly are the residents along the route; it is also the residents that man the water stations. After the long climb up Blackberry Mountain I was given water by a little 2-year old; what a cutie. You must do this race so that you can experience the hospitality of the people, and for the privilege of running through the scenic hills of Kentucky and West Virginia.
W. K. from Ohio (6/13/2005) "'Why'" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 'Why do you come back?' the shuttle bus driver asked me after he found out I did this the year before. He continued,'Did you forget about the 1 mile up the mountain?' Thoughts went through my mind. I did remember last year, it was hot(mid-80's)/sunny/humid with occasional downpour. It also took me 10 minutes more than normal and I missed my qualifying time for Boston. Answer came from the race director at the start of the race: 'It is all about fun.' Hotel: There are only 2 hotels in town, need to make reservation early if you do not want to stay 30 minutes away. Super 8 cost was reasonable at $44. But this year, no late check out. Since check out time is at 11am, you have to finish under 4 hours to be able to get back to take a shower in time for check out. Heard that you can take a shower at the community pool. Pre-race pasta dinner: Start at 6pm, I got in late (after 8pm), still able to get my meal in, even though stuff had been put away, nice lady at the resturant brought out dessert for me. Parking at finish: Downtown, lots of free metered parking on street and parking lot within one/two block. Starting line: About 2 miles from finish line at a food city store, has shuttle running constantly early morning from finish line (and local hotels) to start. Food: City provided bottle water, energy gel, donuts, banana, grapes, strawberry, soda. No shotgun start this year. Course: Open, part on country road, part on trail. No problem with traffic, which comes in slow and gives you lots of space. Pretty country, with views of hills and stream/river. Steep climb around 6/7 miles, with even steeper downhill. After the mid-point, there are quite a few short steep rolling spots on the trail. Section of the trail, you have to watch your footing on loose rocks/stones. Also have a bad hill around 23/24, which I ended up walking (I am not the only one walking that either). Finish line: Trophy was handed out as you cross the line this year. Medal, sponge, wet towel, high suger food for everyone. Post race meal available at the resturant. People: They make you feel welcome here. Festival atmosphere. Volunteers at the 25 aid station range from very young to very old. all friendly. Must have one of the highest volunteers to runners ratio of any race. I would like to thank each and everyone of them for coming out. Especially the girl in the car who handed me a cup of ice water at mile 24 after I missed the water stop. Even with the better weather (low 80's) this year (not as hot/humid, no rain), I still missed my Boston qualifying time by 2 minutes. That will give me another reason to come back next year if I stay healthy.
Amy Huffman from Chicago, IL (6/13/2005) "A challenge and adventure!" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 From the quaint little towns, to the top of Blackberry Mountain?..and back down. This is definitely an adventure not to be missed! This one will challenge you?..Mile 1 is flat. Then there?s a gradual up- hill from about 2-6 on 119. The incline isn?t noticeably steep (unless you drive it going back down the way you ran up). This is definitely a place to conserve yourself because mile 6 is a steep climb to the top of Blackberry Mountain and mile 7 takes you back down just as hard. Right before 20, terrain gets rough- gravel, dirt, mud for a little over a mile. It?s easy to lose footing when you are tired and running lazily, not properly lifting your feet with every step. Next, before 20 is the swinging bridge. It?s a fun, unique touch but would have been more welcomed had I not beaten my legs and joints up on the rocky trail just prior. Mile 23 is one last punch to the quads and knees. After that, it?s flat- well deserved by all!! The reception at the end of the race is warm and genuine. It gives you one last boost to the end and through the chute. I would recommend this race for someone looking for challenging hills mixed with a trail running feel. The scenery is breathtaking. Not sure if I would do it again, being used to the flat-land training of Chicago. But well worth this trip and 100% un-regretted. Thank you to all who put on a wonderful race and celebration! I am so glad I got the chance to have the experience. Keep up the good work!
A. H. from Columbus, Ohio (6/13/2005) "Brutal, but friendly" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was by far the hardest marathon I have ever done. Best described as Hazy, Hot, Humid, and Hilly. The course was very scenic, yet difficult due to the mountainous area, the dirt path for part of the course and the 'swanging' bridge. However, the volunteers made it all bearable. They were all so friendly and supportive. Thank goodness they were spaced every mile or so with ICE. I don?t think I would have finished if it hadn't been for the ice they provided. Also, at the end, the mother of the owner of Starters Restaurant gave me a beer! She was awesome. The race indicated there would be a pig roast at the end of the race. Don?t expect a hog on a spit as I did. Down there, a pig roast means you will have barbecued pork available. It was good nonetheless. All I can say is, West Virginia is now marked off my list.
d. c. from Normal, IL (6/13/2005) "Hilly, scenic, great volunteers" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I really enjoyed this race. The course was very pretty, through the hills of WV and KY. The volunteers were wonderful. Powerade was the sports drink, it was chip timed. The course was a little off according to the GPS of the guy I was running with, but you were told the course was measured with a 'pickem up truck'. Everyone was wonderful including the other runners; there was a relaxed feeling knowing this course wasn't certified and you had to do nothing but finish. The pasta feed was free including a nice little 'Hatfield and McCoy skit.' I recommend this race highly; although it was very hot and humid, the sponges, the ice, and the cold powerade were great extras!!!!
S. L. from West Warwick RI (6/12/2005) "Fantastic organization" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a wonderfully organized race! Shuttles to the start were prompt and fast, directions and markers throughout the race were clear, and chips for timing are provided. Even with the very small field of runners, there were ample friendly and helpful volunteers all along the course. Pre-race information stated 25 water stations along the course, but there seemed to be more, most less than a mile apart. Each water station was well-supplied with, besides water and gatorade, ice, wet sponges, bananas, gel, pretzels, and friendly, enthusiastic volunteers. This is a great race for water stations! Temperatures in the high 80s, humidity at 90%, and hills most runners aren't accustomed to made for a physically grueling run; these all, however, were well-compensated for by the scenery, camaraderie, and wonderful local hospitality. Leave the Garmin at home; satellite reception is horrible.
Shawn Collins from Boulder, Colorado (8/26/2004) "It counts for West Virginia....." (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 West Virginia is a beautiful state with some of the finest rivers in the world! This race has a clever theme and the people were all very friendly. Running by the burned out buildings and trash heaps really made me realize where I was. As far as mountain views I must not have been running the same course as anyone else. The guy with the push lawn mower with a rope tied to it was my favorite part of the scenery. The course was relatively easy if you are really used to training in mountains. The extreme humidity in June was the real obstacle. The locals were all very receptive to the event. My only complaint is the way the race director has handled the post race follow-up. I know two people who placed in their age group but had to leave at the end of the race. Hatfield refuses to send them their awards, which, however small, are really important to most average runners. In one case he even told one of my friends to send a check for shipping of the award, so she did. The check cleared her bank several weeks ago and guess what... that's right, no award has arrived (or, I suspect, was sent, since my other friend never recieved hers either). Very professional and considerate. If you are in pursuit of the coveted Fifty and DC accomplishment, as the majority of the runners there obviously were, then this is an option. Otherwise there would not be enough support for this race to exist. Congratulations to all runners!
Andrew Pipkin from Raleigh, NC (7/6/2004) "Misty Mountain Marathon Hop" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Hatfield McCoy Marathon is an ideal marathon for a runner interested in doing a non-masochistic (but still challenging) mountain marathon. The course is very scenic, with mountains visible for the entire distance. A large part of the second half of the marathon follows the Tug River. The marathon is mainly run on two lane state highways and avoids commercial/industrial areas except for the start and end. There are no steep hills on the course, but there are some long sections with a moderate ascent. It was very misty and humid during the race in 2004 but the only significant rain fell for a brief period of time around mile 18. The crowd support was as strong as could be expected given the low population of the area. The presence of water stations every mile was much more important than the amount of roadside cheering. If a rural race with less than 300 runners can have water available at every mile, I don't know why all marathons can't have them. My only suggestions would be to have the course map, elevation profile and directions to the race hotel and starting line available on the marathon website. I would also considered starting the marathon earlier (or at least having an early start option) because conditions could be very uncomfortable later in the morning if temperatures were higher than normal. I hope to run marathons in all 50 states, so I don't expect to repeat a non-local race until I have achieved that goal. After I have accomplished that, the Hatfield McCoy Marathon will be high on my list of races to run a second time.
Mike Burke from Redondo Beach, CA (6/21/2004) "TOTALLY AWESOME!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Certainly not a marathon if you're seeking a PR. However, the organization, the small town feel, the race director, David Hatfield, and the Hatfield-McCoy skit performed at the pasta party the night before were all experiences not to be missed.
Patrick Lynam from Arnold PA (6/16/2004) "Looking for an exciting course; an ABSOLUTE MUST" (about: 2004) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 After reading the comments of my partner, I thought I'd add my thoughts. Everything in David Terrill's comments were quite descriptive and accurate (not much I could add). Met wonderful people from the packet pick-up, to the volunteers on the course, and the enthusiastic spectators at the finish. Thanks to David Hatfield and all those involved in making this event happen. Depending on my recovery from Boston next year, I am looking forward to a return trip! KUDOS AGAIN and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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